Knee improved, Jordan might practice soon

Wizard could join team out West later this week

OAKLAND, Calif. - Michael Jordan may join the Washington Wizards later this week, toward the end of their Western trip, to practice with the team before returning from knee surgery.

Wizards coach Doug Collins said before last night's game with the Golden State Warriors that Jordan, who has been on the injured list since Feb. 26 with a slight cartilage tear in his right knee, told Collins that his knee was responding well to workouts.

"He could show up any time," said Collins. "I think it could depend on how he's feeling. He may say, `Let's jump on my plane and let's go.' As of right now, I don't know."

Collins said Jordan, who had arthroscopic surgery Feb. 27, said the right knee feels "100 percent better than before he had the surgery" and the fact that he is doing defensive slides, as well as picking up the pace to see how his knee fares under the workload "are all positive things."

Collins said Jordan would certainly try to practice at least twice before playing in any Wizards games.

The Wizards conclude their Western swing with a game tomorrow night in Denver and Thursday in Utah, then play Sunday in Toronto.